Three Connecticut Poets Laureate Read Poetry for Memorial Day

Community Contributor jnagy00000

Three Connecticut Poets Laureate, Marilyn Nelson (2001-2006), Dick Allen (2010-2015), and Rennie McQuilkin (2015-2020) will read Memorial Day poetry of their own and of others. Poems to be read will be based on wars ranging from the American Revolution to current conflicts in the Near East and will include a selection from Les Kay's Kilo Co, which describes the author's experiences and comrades in Vietnam.

Marilyn Nelson has written award winning books for all ages. Since 2013, she has been Chancellor of the Academy of American Poets. Fellow Chancellor Arthur Sze praised her selection, saying: "Marilyn Nelson's poetry is remarkable for its sheer range of voice and style, for its historical roots, and for its lyrical narratives that, replete with luminous details, unfold with an emotional force that, ultimately, becomes praise. ...She is a vital ambassador of poetry." She is a Professor Emerita of English at the University of Connecticut.

Award winning poet Dick Allen "ranges with ease from astronomy to politics to domestic situations; his poetry captures great swatches of real and imagined experience in nimble style," according to Publishers Weekly. He was the Director of Creative Writing and Charles A. Dana Endowed Chair Professor at the University of Bridgeport until his retirement in September 2001. He lives in Connecticut.

Rennie McQuilkin is the co-founder and former Director of the Sunken Garden Poetry Festival at Hill-Stead Museum. He has been a teacher, and his poetry has appeared in many prominent publications. The author of twelve poetry collections, he has received a number of awards. McQuilkin is currently the publisher of Antrim House Books and the poet laureate of both Connecticut and Simsbury.

This program will take place on Monday, May 23, 2016 from 7:00 to 8:15 pm at the Simsbury Public Library, 725 Hopmeadow St. Registration is suggested at 860-658-7663 x2200 or www.simsburylibrary.info. Free and open to all.

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